Sorry it took me so long to post. I couldn't figure out how to use this PC...I am so use to a Mac!! Once a Mac...never go back!! LOL!
Anyway, Anderson woke up today and again initiated the computer program. He pointed to the icon on the computer and wanted to do it. I thought I would not make him wear the earphone he is suppose to wear bc I only wanted 1 battle. Well, he pointed to that too...as if to say "Mom, don't forget ;)" So, he wore it and did the program wonderfully the 1st time. But, when we needed to do the 2nd and 3rd time....tears and sadness!! ;( I think he thought he was done (it is 3 sessions of a 1 minute exercise). Again, pushed thru the add'l 2 sessions, but tears.
At the learning center, he cried thru the computer program again. But, he did better in the 1:1 therapy with *K*. She took him alone in the room without me.....and he had less tears. I would say 60% happy, 40% tears.
During our lunch break....he peed on the potty AGAIN!!! Ok, I think we are on to something here! He took a one hour nap and had lunch. We did not go back to our afternoon session until 2. This was better b/c it helped Anderson stay on a typical routine at home....sadly, my Mom had to go back to South Carolina bc she has to work tmr ;( We will miss the company and her help!
Back at the learning center in the afternoon, Anderson cried during his computer program. He had a hard time again. *K* took him back to the room...more tears but happier...more like 70% happy and 30% tears. At breaktime, he peed on the potty...again!!! After break, I suggested I leave the center all together to see if it helps the tears....after that last hour...*K* came outside to get me (where I was hiding) and she told me he had the "best day ever!" She and another therapist were able to mimic the computer program that he was not cooperating doing and the therapists did it with him using flashcards instead. SUCCESS!
After therapy today, we came back to the hotel to swim. What a fun break for Anderson...he loves to swim! And....more pee pee....he did it like 4 more times tonight!! He even initiated himself by attempting to take off his swim trunks! We took showers, had dinner and went to bed.
Tonight on 2 occassions he said "mor" for "more". How exciting!!! He also said "mom" again for me!! Music to my ears!!
Today was a much better day!! Hopeful and excited that tmr will be even better!!
Now that I figured out the PC, I hope to post something tmr...or have Kristen do it for me. (excuse any typo/errors tonight...it is midnight....for me right now ;) I need sleep!!
Sorry for taking so long!! Thanks for all your notes of love and support. I love getting them!
XOXOXO
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday
OHHH, it was a tough, tough day!! Lots of tears today during our session. He did not want to do the program!! BUMMER!!! IT was hard coming off such an amazing Monday to start Tuesday like this!
Despite the tears, he said "A, E, X". He also said eyes, energy, bye, and "ahhh" for water!
Anderson was signing "start", "day", "mine", and "anything".
AT lunch, Anderson took 1.5 hour nap, he ate and headed back for more therapy.
Sadly, we had more tears after lunch and nap time!! He would not do the eye movement exercises (the theory is....rapid eye movement increases brain functionality according to research...that is what we are doing!)
In the afternoon, he said "ready, J, and mommy".
After our "work" today, we went to a safari!!! LOL!!! We had giraffes eating out of our hands, and bulls, and deer, elk, etc. IT was a blast!! So glad Mima was here to enjoy the fun!!! WOO HOO!! I will have to post pics later. Go to my facebook pg to see the video and fun until I get the pics on here later!!!
BAck at the hotel, Anderson did not want to go to sleep. He just layed in bed with his eyes WIDE open until 9:30....he finally fell asleep. I had tried for 2 hours to get him down! I think the time change is still affecting him!
He did not want to do the computer program back at the hotel tonight either. But, we pushed thru it! He cried...I kept doing it ;( broke my heart.
However, later in the evening (7ish), he went to the computer and pointed to the icon wanting to do it. I didn't b/c it was too close to bed time and the therapists told me not to do it too close to bed time it would keep him awake (little did I know he would be up so long after that ;)
Tonight, he pooped and peed again for me on the potty. WOO HOO!! And, he was throwing a ball and catching a ball from a bounce!!
Hoping for a better Wednesday!
Despite the tears, he said "A, E, X". He also said eyes, energy, bye, and "ahhh" for water!
Anderson was signing "start", "day", "mine", and "anything".
AT lunch, Anderson took 1.5 hour nap, he ate and headed back for more therapy.
Sadly, we had more tears after lunch and nap time!! He would not do the eye movement exercises (the theory is....rapid eye movement increases brain functionality according to research...that is what we are doing!)
In the afternoon, he said "ready, J, and mommy".
After our "work" today, we went to a safari!!! LOL!!! We had giraffes eating out of our hands, and bulls, and deer, elk, etc. IT was a blast!! So glad Mima was here to enjoy the fun!!! WOO HOO!! I will have to post pics later. Go to my facebook pg to see the video and fun until I get the pics on here later!!!
BAck at the hotel, Anderson did not want to go to sleep. He just layed in bed with his eyes WIDE open until 9:30....he finally fell asleep. I had tried for 2 hours to get him down! I think the time change is still affecting him!
He did not want to do the computer program back at the hotel tonight either. But, we pushed thru it! He cried...I kept doing it ;( broke my heart.
However, later in the evening (7ish), he went to the computer and pointed to the icon wanting to do it. I didn't b/c it was too close to bed time and the therapists told me not to do it too close to bed time it would keep him awake (little did I know he would be up so long after that ;)
Tonight, he pooped and peed again for me on the potty. WOO HOO!! And, he was throwing a ball and catching a ball from a bounce!!
Hoping for a better Wednesday!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Afternoon
Kristen....you rock!! Thanks for helping me and typing updates while I am out with Anderson!
I have the sweet angel to bed tonight. He is sleeping soundly. Anderson was tired after his exciting day.
In the therapy session this afternoon....he said "Hi" clear as day to someone at the center. A therapist 3 rooms away in the center (which looks like an beautiful older red brick home) heard him say it! She yells "I HEARD THAT" from the other room! It was crystal clear! AMAZING!
Also, as Anderson was doing his program today....it sounded to me and his 2 therapists in the room that he repeated 4 letters of the alphabet after the therapist said them. Example, she said, "I"...he said "I", etc! It happened 4 times today!
Tonight, when we got back to the hotel...he started jumping around. He had 2 feet off the ground. He could not do this prior to today....the proof....his current IEP has a physical therapy goal to jump by June 2011!! No kidding!
They taught him a song and the motions to the song this afternoon. He came back to the hotel and was doing the motions with me and ANTICIPATING the motions of what was coming next in the song!! This is HUGE for him too! He does not typically imitate gross motor movements...much less anticipate and recall them!!
My Mom drove down today to see us and help me. It is so nice to have her to witness all of this and help me!! She was reading a book with Anderson and there was a turtle! My Mom made a "chomping" motion with her hands (as like an easier way to snap...hard to explain)...anyway, Anderson copied it right away...and is still recalling it hours later! NO kidding!
I am not sure what to say. If I left today, I was would be elated with his progress in the 5.5 hours of therapy he has rcvd thus far! One of the therapists said this afternoon, "This is the best Monday I have ever seen a student have!" I told her I did not believe her :) LOL!! She said, "no, really!" I was so excited to hear this!
Anderson has sat on the potty 4-5 times today. No more "successes", but he is trying. This is more trying than he has done in the past month in total!! It is amazing that he's had the attention, and patience to even be trying it! IT amazed me! I prayed to my Grandma this morning....to give me a sign...and I believe this was my sign! ;) Anderson behavioral therapist (who would be the one to help Anderson with us)...sent me a text and said, she was SHOCKED at his success today....if that is proof...she is our witness for this ;)
I feel so at peace! I feel like we are moving in such a postive direction for our little man. He is so so happy!
MORE INFO ON HOW I HEARD ABOUT THE PROGRAM!! So, a soroity sister, sweet friend from college and I reconnected via facebook about 9 months ago. She knew a tiny bit about Anderson. She sent me an email and told me to call her RIGHT AWAY! Considering I have not spoken to her in 12 years (we lost touch after school)....I SAID TWELVE YEARS!!! I could not imagine what was going on...so, I call her! She asks me about Anderson. I explain everything about him to her! (It was so nice to hear Allie's voice!) Anyway, she was BUSTING with joy and told me about a program that came into her life and she thought of me! Allie was at her uncle's funeral and met a long distance relative that had a business that helped children with learning disabilities and more recently helping children with autism. Allie thought of me and called me. This is where we are....Charlie and I felt that this literally FELL out of the sky into our lives and we needed to RUN with it!
Here I am in Georgia......
(BTW, people move very slow here!!! LOL! The therapists are all little spit fires...full of energy and kind, loving and move fast. However, the people at starbucks, walmart, subway, etc...move SLOOOWWWW! VERy different from our neck of the woods!!)
Thanks for the continued prayers.....we appreciate them!!!
XOXOXO
I have the sweet angel to bed tonight. He is sleeping soundly. Anderson was tired after his exciting day.
In the therapy session this afternoon....he said "Hi" clear as day to someone at the center. A therapist 3 rooms away in the center (which looks like an beautiful older red brick home) heard him say it! She yells "I HEARD THAT" from the other room! It was crystal clear! AMAZING!
Also, as Anderson was doing his program today....it sounded to me and his 2 therapists in the room that he repeated 4 letters of the alphabet after the therapist said them. Example, she said, "I"...he said "I", etc! It happened 4 times today!
Tonight, when we got back to the hotel...he started jumping around. He had 2 feet off the ground. He could not do this prior to today....the proof....his current IEP has a physical therapy goal to jump by June 2011!! No kidding!
They taught him a song and the motions to the song this afternoon. He came back to the hotel and was doing the motions with me and ANTICIPATING the motions of what was coming next in the song!! This is HUGE for him too! He does not typically imitate gross motor movements...much less anticipate and recall them!!
My Mom drove down today to see us and help me. It is so nice to have her to witness all of this and help me!! She was reading a book with Anderson and there was a turtle! My Mom made a "chomping" motion with her hands (as like an easier way to snap...hard to explain)...anyway, Anderson copied it right away...and is still recalling it hours later! NO kidding!
I am not sure what to say. If I left today, I was would be elated with his progress in the 5.5 hours of therapy he has rcvd thus far! One of the therapists said this afternoon, "This is the best Monday I have ever seen a student have!" I told her I did not believe her :) LOL!! She said, "no, really!" I was so excited to hear this!
Anderson has sat on the potty 4-5 times today. No more "successes", but he is trying. This is more trying than he has done in the past month in total!! It is amazing that he's had the attention, and patience to even be trying it! IT amazed me! I prayed to my Grandma this morning....to give me a sign...and I believe this was my sign! ;) Anderson behavioral therapist (who would be the one to help Anderson with us)...sent me a text and said, she was SHOCKED at his success today....if that is proof...she is our witness for this ;)
I feel so at peace! I feel like we are moving in such a postive direction for our little man. He is so so happy!
MORE INFO ON HOW I HEARD ABOUT THE PROGRAM!! So, a soroity sister, sweet friend from college and I reconnected via facebook about 9 months ago. She knew a tiny bit about Anderson. She sent me an email and told me to call her RIGHT AWAY! Considering I have not spoken to her in 12 years (we lost touch after school)....I SAID TWELVE YEARS!!! I could not imagine what was going on...so, I call her! She asks me about Anderson. I explain everything about him to her! (It was so nice to hear Allie's voice!) Anyway, she was BUSTING with joy and told me about a program that came into her life and she thought of me! Allie was at her uncle's funeral and met a long distance relative that had a business that helped children with learning disabilities and more recently helping children with autism. Allie thought of me and called me. This is where we are....Charlie and I felt that this literally FELL out of the sky into our lives and we needed to RUN with it!
Here I am in Georgia......
(BTW, people move very slow here!!! LOL! The therapists are all little spit fires...full of energy and kind, loving and move fast. However, the people at starbucks, walmart, subway, etc...move SLOOOWWWW! VERy different from our neck of the woods!!)
Thanks for the continued prayers.....we appreciate them!!!
XOXOXO
Potty Break!!
Kristen here again with an update.....
After a morning session of therapy, Liz & Anderson head off to lunch.....where Anderson proceeds to drag Liz into the bathroom and then goes #1 AND #2 on the potty!!!!! A FIRST!!!
The morning session was amazing (see picture for details ;)) as Anderson spent his time on a computer-based software program that exercises portions of his brain and "wakes up" other parts. The idea behind the program is to get the neurons of the brain to work faster and more efficiently and to cause them to "fire" where there is no activity at all.
It appears we have some real progress for 1 morning of work!
Road Trip!
This is Liz's friend Kristen here......
Liz and Anderson have traveled across the country to Georgia for a week long therapy program for Anderson. Let me back up a second. Liz recently reconnected with an old friend, Allie, through Facebook (isn't that how it always happens? ;))
Allie mentioned a program to her that is offered in Georgia and deals with all different types of learning disabilites. She began researching it, talking with parents and finally enrolling Anderson and booking flights!
They landed yesterday and are on their way to the first session right now. Please pray that this program is a breakthrough for Anderson!
Stay tuned. More updates will follow during the week.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Queen and King
At bed time....
Ryan to Kaitlyn...."Kaitlyn, do you wish you were a queen and I was a king? I do!"
So sweet! Good night!
Ryan to Kaitlyn...."Kaitlyn, do you wish you were a queen and I was a king? I do!"
So sweet! Good night!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Hilarious!
Studying for Kaitlyn's Social Studies test tonight.....
I ask her: Kaitlyn, what do the 50 stars on the American Flag represent?
Kaitlyn: Hollywood!
LOL!!!
To her defense...it was 8:30 PM and she had just told me she was tired!!
LOL!!
I ask her: Kaitlyn, what do the 50 stars on the American Flag represent?
Kaitlyn: Hollywood!
LOL!!!
To her defense...it was 8:30 PM and she had just told me she was tired!!
LOL!!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
WOW~
It has been way too long since I last posted. Sorry!!
It has been a wild and crazy fun holiday season this year. More later....
More importantly....
CHECK OUT WHAT ANDERSON DID TODAY!!!!
It has been a wild and crazy fun holiday season this year. More later....
More importantly....
CHECK OUT WHAT ANDERSON DID TODAY!!!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Day One
It has been a lonely day without Chiefy around!
Last night in the middle of the night I would wake up and instinctively I just listened for his breathing....as I've heard every night in the middle of the night for the past 8 years. Yet, it was silent. It saddened me.
It broke my heart this morning when Kaitlyn was leaving for school and she was nervous to cry in front of her friends b.c she was worried they would laugh and she would feel embarrassed at school. It broke my heart when Anderson got out of the shower and ran over the where Chief's bed was and he was looking for Chief....tough morning!
All day I kept waiting to see Chief at the front door when I opened it, or I went to the back French doors to let him in and he was not there....I was not "tripping" over him in the kitchen.
It was a hard first day without our little buddy.
Kaitlyn is still a wreck, but MUCH better tonight than yesterday or even after school. Her class made all of us cards. They are adorable!!! Each of the children wrote a prayer and drew us a picture! The prayers were sweet.
Some of the cards read:
"I'm sorry Chief died, but he is happy in hevin"
"I hope Chief feels better"
"I am sorry four Chief"
The cards are priceless.
One has a picture of a dog lying under a tombstone and the tombstone reads:
"here lis chief"...IE...here lies Chief! So cute!!
It was so nice of Kaitlyn's teacher to take time out of their day to write these for our family. It warmed our hearts. All of the emails and messages have helped us so much.
My friend, Yvonne sent the sweetest message. Yvonne said, "Chief is probably having a good
ol time in Heaven right now. He probably thanked God for sending him
to the M**sc**er (for privacy I'm blocking our last name) house for 8 wonderful years!!!" This brought a BIG smile to Kaitlyn's face this morning!
All of our San Fran friends who remember us getting Chief.....he had a special place in their hearts too....as Mego said, "Chief was everyone's 1st baby!" So true Mego!
I'm sure each day will be easier. Just a hard day getting adjusted to the new M**sc**er house!
Last night in the middle of the night I would wake up and instinctively I just listened for his breathing....as I've heard every night in the middle of the night for the past 8 years. Yet, it was silent. It saddened me.
It broke my heart this morning when Kaitlyn was leaving for school and she was nervous to cry in front of her friends b.c she was worried they would laugh and she would feel embarrassed at school. It broke my heart when Anderson got out of the shower and ran over the where Chief's bed was and he was looking for Chief....tough morning!
All day I kept waiting to see Chief at the front door when I opened it, or I went to the back French doors to let him in and he was not there....I was not "tripping" over him in the kitchen.
It was a hard first day without our little buddy.
Kaitlyn is still a wreck, but MUCH better tonight than yesterday or even after school. Her class made all of us cards. They are adorable!!! Each of the children wrote a prayer and drew us a picture! The prayers were sweet.
Some of the cards read:
"I'm sorry Chief died, but he is happy in hevin"
"I hope Chief feels better"
"I am sorry four Chief"
The cards are priceless.
One has a picture of a dog lying under a tombstone and the tombstone reads:
"here lis chief"...IE...here lies Chief! So cute!!
It was so nice of Kaitlyn's teacher to take time out of their day to write these for our family. It warmed our hearts. All of the emails and messages have helped us so much.
My friend, Yvonne sent the sweetest message. Yvonne said, "Chief is probably having a good
ol time in Heaven right now. He probably thanked God for sending him
to the M**sc**er (for privacy I'm blocking our last name) house for 8 wonderful years!!!" This brought a BIG smile to Kaitlyn's face this morning!
All of our San Fran friends who remember us getting Chief.....he had a special place in their hearts too....as Mego said, "Chief was everyone's 1st baby!" So true Mego!
I'm sure each day will be easier. Just a hard day getting adjusted to the new M**sc**er house!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Heaven
Ryan: Mommy, what does it feel like when you go to heaven?
Me: I don't know Ryan.
Ryan: I think it is easy, I think magic comes down and just "Zaps" you up to heaven really fast!
Me: I don't know Ryan.
Ryan: I think it is easy, I think magic comes down and just "Zaps" you up to heaven really fast!
I will always remember.......
when you would stay in bed waiting for E*A*C*H one of us to get out of bed before you got out of your bed....
when you would sleep at the top of the stairs waiting for Charlie when he was out of town..protecting us and waiting for your "Chief" to walk thru the door...
when you would sit in the baby's nursery with me while I nursed them to sleep...
when you would "dance" around when you needed to go out to the bathroom...
when I would get so frustrated b/c you would shake your head and slobber would spray all of the walls...
when you would get so excited if you heard us say "park" or "walk"...
when you brought the deer antlers into the house when we lived in San Francisco...
when you got sprayed by a skunk....oh, twice might I add!...
when you chased 2 raccoons out of our house in San Francisco...
how you looked at each of those babies when we brought them home..by the time it was Anna, you just sighed and looked at her as if to say, "not again!"
how you HAD to be in each room that we were in as family...whether we were putting kids to bed or in the bath or in the kitchen...you were RIGHT with us!
how you and Princess eventually became friends...after 6+ years of trying :)
how you protected us and how proctected I felt b/c of you...
when we would take you on off leash walks in San Fran and you chased a ball...
when you were a sweet puppy who sat in my lap, and you continued to think you could sit in my lap...even when you were 75+ lbs!
when you would drink out of a water bottle! (seriously people!)
when you would look at me when Anderson jumped on you, as if to say..."mom, help me!"
There are SOO many things we will miss about you....there are SOOO many things we loved about you! You were the most amazing dog....as sweet as they come....as GOOD as them come! So well behaved!
Thanks for all the memories Chief!! We will miss you!
Your memories will forever live in our hearts!
God Bless you sweet boy!
when you would sleep at the top of the stairs waiting for Charlie when he was out of town..protecting us and waiting for your "Chief" to walk thru the door...
when you would sit in the baby's nursery with me while I nursed them to sleep...
when you would "dance" around when you needed to go out to the bathroom...
when I would get so frustrated b/c you would shake your head and slobber would spray all of the walls...
when you would get so excited if you heard us say "park" or "walk"...
when you brought the deer antlers into the house when we lived in San Francisco...
when you got sprayed by a skunk....oh, twice might I add!...
when you chased 2 raccoons out of our house in San Francisco...
how you looked at each of those babies when we brought them home..by the time it was Anna, you just sighed and looked at her as if to say, "not again!"
how you HAD to be in each room that we were in as family...whether we were putting kids to bed or in the bath or in the kitchen...you were RIGHT with us!
how you and Princess eventually became friends...after 6+ years of trying :)
how you protected us and how proctected I felt b/c of you...
when we would take you on off leash walks in San Fran and you chased a ball...
when you were a sweet puppy who sat in my lap, and you continued to think you could sit in my lap...even when you were 75+ lbs!
when you would drink out of a water bottle! (seriously people!)
when you would look at me when Anderson jumped on you, as if to say..."mom, help me!"
There are SOO many things we will miss about you....there are SOOO many things we loved about you! You were the most amazing dog....as sweet as they come....as GOOD as them come! So well behaved!
Thanks for all the memories Chief!! We will miss you!
Your memories will forever live in our hearts!
God Bless you sweet boy!
Chief
I am sad to report that Chief passed away today VERY unexpectedly.
We woke up and were hanging out in our bedroom. The kids were jumping on us, playing around...and Chief was "asleep" in his bed (as usual).
Anderson jumped out of bed and patted Chief, as usual.
Chief did not move....weird....
I watched his stomach, it did not seem to be moving, he was not taking any breaths.
I turned to Char with my eyes bulging...I said, what's wrong?
Char looked over and noticed he was not moving.
Chief was in his "favorite" position on his bed.
We rushed the kids out of the bedroom.
Charlie went back upstairs....
I heard Charlie close the door and lock it. I knew then...
I went upstairs, and Charlie told me he was dead. I was devasted.
The kids were downstairs, had to pull it together to tell them.
We went downstairs and told the kids we had bad news. Kaitlyn was devastated, simply a mess. Felt so so so bad for her. Ryan was sad too. Anderson did not quite understand....Kaitlyn and Ryan did not understand "why" God would let this happen. Kaitlyn was mad. Why does God allow people and pets to die? Why she asked me.
(side note: remember our cat, Princess died in May...this has been a hard hard year for the kids and their pets!)
We took the kids upstairs to say "Goodbye" to Chief and blow him kisses (we gave them a choice and they wanted to see him 1 last time). It was so hard. We said a prayer over Chief and left the room.
Charlie took Chief to the veterinary hospital where they took care of him. That was really hard for Charlie.
It was very difficult to find our sweet dog dead in our bedroom this morning. But, we were thankful he passed in his sleep peacefully.
Chief lived 8 years. We did not know he was sick, it was quite a shock this happened.
We have 8 wonderful years of memories of Chief. He was terrific, simply terrific!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
HAPPY HAPPY 7th Birthday Kaitlyn
Today is a special day. Our dear, sweet, special little girl was born.....7 years ago.
Kaitlyn, we love you and so very proud of you!!!
Kaitlyn, we love you and so very proud of you!!!
Friday, November 6, 2009
HAPPY 10th Babe!
Today is our 10th anniversary!!
It is hard to believe 10 years has passed us by....so quickly.
We have accomplished so much, and learned even more.
It has been an amazing 10 years....and can't wait for the next 50 more!
Charlie took the day off and we went to Anderson's therapy together and had a cup of coffee. We dropped Anderson off with the sitter and we went to lunch together. Perfect lunch. Then, went for a walk by the water and talked.
Then...we got home and prepared for Kaitlyn's birthday party at our house...yes, on our 10th anniversary!
18 girls, 9 spending the night! HANNA MONTANA party! What fun!!
Pics and stories to follow!!
Happy Anniversary!!!
It is hard to believe 10 years has passed us by....so quickly.
We have accomplished so much, and learned even more.
It has been an amazing 10 years....and can't wait for the next 50 more!
Charlie took the day off and we went to Anderson's therapy together and had a cup of coffee. We dropped Anderson off with the sitter and we went to lunch together. Perfect lunch. Then, went for a walk by the water and talked.
Then...we got home and prepared for Kaitlyn's birthday party at our house...yes, on our 10th anniversary!
18 girls, 9 spending the night! HANNA MONTANA party! What fun!!
Pics and stories to follow!!
Happy Anniversary!!!
Friday, October 30, 2009
More than 1 right answer
Kaitlyn is working on all of her class work she's missed this week (I think we are up to doing wksht #40 at this point...poor girl!)
Anyway, there is a page where she has a list of words to choose from and a picture. The directions say....choose the word that best describes the picture.
The picture is of a cat scratching a pole.
Kaitlyn writes the word "patches" under the picture.
I ask, "Kaitlyn, why did you write patches?"
Kaitlyn responds, "What if that is the name of the cat?"
I gave her a big hug...and said...in our family...that would apply...but, is there a "better" word in the list...
Kaitlyn smiled and said..."yes...scratch".
However....Kaitlyn's answer could have been correct too!
Thought y'all would enjoy that story!
NOTE TO READER: CHARLIE HAD A CAT WHEN HE WAS LITTLE NAMED PATCHES :)
Anyway, there is a page where she has a list of words to choose from and a picture. The directions say....choose the word that best describes the picture.
The picture is of a cat scratching a pole.
Kaitlyn writes the word "patches" under the picture.
I ask, "Kaitlyn, why did you write patches?"
Kaitlyn responds, "What if that is the name of the cat?"
I gave her a big hug...and said...in our family...that would apply...but, is there a "better" word in the list...
Kaitlyn smiled and said..."yes...scratch".
However....Kaitlyn's answer could have been correct too!
Thought y'all would enjoy that story!
NOTE TO READER: CHARLIE HAD A CAT WHEN HE WAS LITTLE NAMED PATCHES :)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Mo
Last night Charlie picked up dinner. With sick kids in the house, I did not feel like cooking. He picked me up 1/2 sandwich and soup. It came with potato chips. Anderson, although on gluten free diet, he can eat potato chips....only potatoes, oil, and salt....okay for him.
Anyway, Anderson wants my chips...okay with me. He eats one. He signs "more". I give him more....he signs "eat", I give him more.
He runs off playing......comes back to the table and looks at Charlie and I and says....
"MO"!!!! Charlie and I were freaking out!!!! FREAKING OUT!!!! He was trying to say more!!
HAPPY HAPPY DAY!
Anyway, Anderson wants my chips...okay with me. He eats one. He signs "more". I give him more....he signs "eat", I give him more.
He runs off playing......comes back to the table and looks at Charlie and I and says....
"MO"!!!! Charlie and I were freaking out!!!! FREAKING OUT!!!! He was trying to say more!!
HAPPY HAPPY DAY!
Monday, October 26, 2009
B - B - B
We were putting the kids to bed. Anna starts to say "b, b, b, ". Next thing you know....Anderson says...."b, b, b"!!!!
FIRST TIME ANDERSON EVER MADE THIS NOISE!!!! YAHOO!!!!!!
GO ANDERSON!!!
FIRST TIME ANDERSON EVER MADE THIS NOISE!!!! YAHOO!!!!!!
GO ANDERSON!!!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Drink
Well, guess the apple was not enough....
Charlie got up at 4 AM today....to find a glass of water in the middle of the floor next to fridge. Guess our "night owl" was thirsty in the middle of the night...
As our good friend said...."wonder what is in those Chinese herbs y'all are giving Anderson"!
HA!!!!
Charlie got up at 4 AM today....to find a glass of water in the middle of the floor next to fridge. Guess our "night owl" was thirsty in the middle of the night...
As our good friend said...."wonder what is in those Chinese herbs y'all are giving Anderson"!
HA!!!!
Apple
Anderson likes to crawl into bed with us in the middle of the night. Ryan went thru the same phase at the same age.
Two nights ago....he crawls into our bed at 1 AM....with an APPLE! Charlie takes it from him and asks him to go back to sleep with us.
Charlie gets up at 4 AM to study.....to find the refrigerator door WIDE open!!!
HA!!! Anderson went down in the middle of the night and helped himself to an apple!
Two nights ago....he crawls into our bed at 1 AM....with an APPLE! Charlie takes it from him and asks him to go back to sleep with us.
Charlie gets up at 4 AM to study.....to find the refrigerator door WIDE open!!!
HA!!! Anderson went down in the middle of the night and helped himself to an apple!
OH MY....how time
flies!! Holy cow!! It has been so long since my last post! Sorry....and SO much to write!!
Anna got her 1st tooth.
Anderson got his first "star award" at school :)
Ryan has gotten many goals at his Saturday soccer games
Kaitlyn has started reading like crazy!! I mean...she has been reading for awhile...but it has "clicked"....she is "off"....she is reading to Anderson and Ryan....it is so cute!
This is just a few quick thoughts....more stories to come!
Anna got her 1st tooth.
Anderson got his first "star award" at school :)
Ryan has gotten many goals at his Saturday soccer games
Kaitlyn has started reading like crazy!! I mean...she has been reading for awhile...but it has "clicked"....she is "off"....she is reading to Anderson and Ryan....it is so cute!
This is just a few quick thoughts....more stories to come!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Something to hope for.....
On Friday, I took Anderson to his first scalp acupuncture appt. Yes, we have place our hope in Chinese herbal medicine! There is a woman who has practicing rights at our local children's hospital, who recommends Anderson get scalp acupuncture. She asked me to commit to 3-4 months and see what happens......
Here is something for us to try and hope for......HOPING it does something!!
We go once a week....she is going to give us Chinese herbs next week along with some probiotics. She placed a "seed" behind his ear??.....
Who knows....I'll TRY ANYTHING!!!!
Chinese medicine has been in practice for soooo long, it is all natural and does not hurt him.
Why not? Gives me a little hope....and something new to wonder about.......
Here is something for us to try and hope for......HOPING it does something!!
We go once a week....she is going to give us Chinese herbs next week along with some probiotics. She placed a "seed" behind his ear??.....
Who knows....I'll TRY ANYTHING!!!!
Chinese medicine has been in practice for soooo long, it is all natural and does not hurt him.
Why not? Gives me a little hope....and something new to wonder about.......
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Worry and Wonder
My life for the past 3 years has been spent....worrying and wondering....worrying and wondering....I wonder if there will ever be a day that I can stop worrying and wondering about Anderson. I wonder if my 3 year old will ever speak? Will he ever be able to live an independent life? What hard questions to ponder. Hard to imagine.......such a feeling of helplessness.....as I said last night....simply......heartbroken right now.....heartbroken..........
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Hard day
OHHH, today was such a hard day. I had one of those "why me" days. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking back on my day.
It should have been a great day....Ryan at school, Anderson at school....Kaitlyn home sick, and of course, Anna home with me. Just the girls....this part was so nice. But, I was in the doctor's office for the 3rd time this week. Okay, it is only Wednesday...so, yes, that means I was at the dr on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday! Monday..I had Kaitlyn in....Tuesday the boys at the ENT (sinus infections), and Wednesday Kaitlyn back b/c they wanted her back if she still had a fever today....which she did....now, she has a sinus infection. Three kiddos on antibotics.
So, I was frustrated that I've spent 3 of my last 3 days in a dr's office! UGGHHH!! Not as if I do not have enough places to be in any given week. PLUS, more importantly...more drugs for my kids. I was so frustrated by this. I had a LOOONNNGG conversation today about what to do. Ryan is getting to the point where strong RX do not work b/c he's been on them too many times. The bottom line is...we need to get the kids allergies under control b/c they are causing so many 2ndary problems (the ears, the sinus infections, the asthma, etc). I am taking Ryan back to the allergist now that he is 5....they will do a skin test on him. After that...all of them will have to go on a daily dose of Claritin and a nasal steroid. It bothers Char and I so much the kids will be on daily meds...but we do not feel as if we have any other choice! It stinks!
Then, I get Anderson home from school....he screams for 2.5 hours. From 4-6:45.....screaming! Well, he really screamed until he went to bed, but Charlie got home at 6:45. I was out of my mind. I am so sad for Anderson that he does this....he does not "want" to scream. He does not want to get so frustrated, but I am beside myself on how to help him. I am simply at a loss. Anderson is the cutest and most adorable little guy...but, he is so so so hard. I am so sad that he screams and makes me frustrated and so I have less patience. Kaitlyn is crying tonight b/c she is sick and Anderson's screaming is giving her a headache (.....I'm not sick and I had a headache from it!) AHHHH...what to do.
I just want Anderson to be "normal". I just want him to be a 3 year old boy riding his bike in the backyard. I try and I try and I try and I feel so beat down right now. I feel so defeated....I feel like I am losing hope and I have not felt this way for 3 years...but I am feeling it...and I don't like it. I am just at such a loss...........
My heart is broken today..............
It should have been a great day....Ryan at school, Anderson at school....Kaitlyn home sick, and of course, Anna home with me. Just the girls....this part was so nice. But, I was in the doctor's office for the 3rd time this week. Okay, it is only Wednesday...so, yes, that means I was at the dr on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday! Monday..I had Kaitlyn in....Tuesday the boys at the ENT (sinus infections), and Wednesday Kaitlyn back b/c they wanted her back if she still had a fever today....which she did....now, she has a sinus infection. Three kiddos on antibotics.
So, I was frustrated that I've spent 3 of my last 3 days in a dr's office! UGGHHH!! Not as if I do not have enough places to be in any given week. PLUS, more importantly...more drugs for my kids. I was so frustrated by this. I had a LOOONNNGG conversation today about what to do. Ryan is getting to the point where strong RX do not work b/c he's been on them too many times. The bottom line is...we need to get the kids allergies under control b/c they are causing so many 2ndary problems (the ears, the sinus infections, the asthma, etc). I am taking Ryan back to the allergist now that he is 5....they will do a skin test on him. After that...all of them will have to go on a daily dose of Claritin and a nasal steroid. It bothers Char and I so much the kids will be on daily meds...but we do not feel as if we have any other choice! It stinks!
Then, I get Anderson home from school....he screams for 2.5 hours. From 4-6:45.....screaming! Well, he really screamed until he went to bed, but Charlie got home at 6:45. I was out of my mind. I am so sad for Anderson that he does this....he does not "want" to scream. He does not want to get so frustrated, but I am beside myself on how to help him. I am simply at a loss. Anderson is the cutest and most adorable little guy...but, he is so so so hard. I am so sad that he screams and makes me frustrated and so I have less patience. Kaitlyn is crying tonight b/c she is sick and Anderson's screaming is giving her a headache (.....I'm not sick and I had a headache from it!) AHHHH...what to do.
I just want Anderson to be "normal". I just want him to be a 3 year old boy riding his bike in the backyard. I try and I try and I try and I feel so beat down right now. I feel so defeated....I feel like I am losing hope and I have not felt this way for 3 years...but I am feeling it...and I don't like it. I am just at such a loss...........
My heart is broken today..............
Lizard
In case your child gets bit by a wild lizard.....rest assured they are not poisonous according to poison control!!
Yes, Kaitlyn was feeling better this afternoon and decided to catch a baby lizard on our screen. (note: Kaitlyn has caught several lizards...she is quick...and LOVES bugs, lizards, frogs, etc...)
And....yep, it bit her!! She was in tears...I think she was more hurt that it bit her when she was just trying to play with it. Kaitlyn said to me, "But, Mom..I tried to tell it I was going to be nice and play with him and he did not listen to me. He BIT me!" Poor Kaitlyn!
I called poison control who told me they were not poisonous and he told me he was happy to hear my daughter loved nature so much :)
I called the pediatrician and she said she was glad she gave me a RX for her sinus infection this morning, as it would help with any infection! HA! 2 for 1 on this one!
Yes, Kaitlyn was feeling better this afternoon and decided to catch a baby lizard on our screen. (note: Kaitlyn has caught several lizards...she is quick...and LOVES bugs, lizards, frogs, etc...)
And....yep, it bit her!! She was in tears...I think she was more hurt that it bit her when she was just trying to play with it. Kaitlyn said to me, "But, Mom..I tried to tell it I was going to be nice and play with him and he did not listen to me. He BIT me!" Poor Kaitlyn!
I called poison control who told me they were not poisonous and he told me he was happy to hear my daughter loved nature so much :)
I called the pediatrician and she said she was glad she gave me a RX for her sinus infection this morning, as it would help with any infection! HA! 2 for 1 on this one!
FUN therapy day!
Good day at the hospital yesterday.
Anderson had therapy yesterday morning. At our local hospital there was a fundraiser and they had celebrities there visiting the children and promoting the hospital. We got to see Shakira, Ryan Seacrest, David Henri from Wizards of Waverly place, Kelli Pickler, Terri Seymour and David Beckham. AHHHH...the vision of David still is making me smile after the day I had today!! :) What a day at therapy.....this is the ONE day a year I do not mind going to therapy. It was worth every bit of it.
Kaitlyn was home sick from school so I had all 4 kiddos with me. Everyone was so complimentary on our little ones and how beautiful and cute they were...I was eating it up....especially when David Beckham squeezed Anna's leg and told me my baby daughter was beautiful...I was speechless!!! Here are some photos from the fun filled morning!!!
Ryan and Anna
Ryan and the 4 little ones
AHHHH..David.....
David Henri from Wizards of Waverly Place
Terri Seymour
Anderson had therapy yesterday morning. At our local hospital there was a fundraiser and they had celebrities there visiting the children and promoting the hospital. We got to see Shakira, Ryan Seacrest, David Henri from Wizards of Waverly place, Kelli Pickler, Terri Seymour and David Beckham. AHHHH...the vision of David still is making me smile after the day I had today!! :) What a day at therapy.....this is the ONE day a year I do not mind going to therapy. It was worth every bit of it.
Kaitlyn was home sick from school so I had all 4 kiddos with me. Everyone was so complimentary on our little ones and how beautiful and cute they were...I was eating it up....especially when David Beckham squeezed Anna's leg and told me my baby daughter was beautiful...I was speechless!!! Here are some photos from the fun filled morning!!!
Ryan and Anna
Ryan and the 4 little ones
AHHHH..David.....
David Henri from Wizards of Waverly Place
Terri Seymour
Friday, September 11, 2009
Prayers Answered
AHHHH, so very happy!!
Anderson and Charlie are back home!!! Our neurosurgeon went in on Wednesday morning and saw Anderson. He took 1 look at A's back and said...this is not CSF leaf (darn residents!) it is a ruptured blood vessel! THANK GOODNESS!! The NSG said he sees it once every 5-10 years. Yep, and it happened to Anderson! NSG also said that they too were "Expecting" to see the pseudo tumor, but it was normal...the good and bad news. Good news that Anderson will not have that life long battle, however, bad b/c we do not have answers to unanswered questions! So....now, to figure out what to do.
We are trying to recover from the spinal tap/ER issues first....pull our thoughts together and come up with a new plan. Our NSG wants us to go to our neurologist for ideas.....need to call and get that appt.
It had already clotted, and was healing. Anderson was discharged and able to fly home that night!! They arrived home around 11 PM. It was heavenly to hold Anderson that night when he got home.
Yesterday, Anderson was a bit sore (understandably!). He did not move much, and was a little fussy. Hoping today is better for him......
Thanks for all the prayers. They were answered. Just trying to move on with "normal" life now....
Anderson and Charlie are back home!!! Our neurosurgeon went in on Wednesday morning and saw Anderson. He took 1 look at A's back and said...this is not CSF leaf (darn residents!) it is a ruptured blood vessel! THANK GOODNESS!! The NSG said he sees it once every 5-10 years. Yep, and it happened to Anderson! NSG also said that they too were "Expecting" to see the pseudo tumor, but it was normal...the good and bad news. Good news that Anderson will not have that life long battle, however, bad b/c we do not have answers to unanswered questions! So....now, to figure out what to do.
We are trying to recover from the spinal tap/ER issues first....pull our thoughts together and come up with a new plan. Our NSG wants us to go to our neurologist for ideas.....need to call and get that appt.
It had already clotted, and was healing. Anderson was discharged and able to fly home that night!! They arrived home around 11 PM. It was heavenly to hold Anderson that night when he got home.
Yesterday, Anderson was a bit sore (understandably!). He did not move much, and was a little fussy. Hoping today is better for him......
Thanks for all the prayers. They were answered. Just trying to move on with "normal" life now....
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
PRAYERS PLS
Anderson has his spinal tap yesterday. GOOD NEWS: He does not have the pseudo tumor they were checking for! We were thrilled with news. Although it leaves questions unanswered.....we are happy that Anderson will not have a shunt and a lifelong challenge with the pseudo tumor. This was great, great, great.
HOWEVER, Charlie called me yesterday afternoon. Anderson was really sore, he was sleeping A LOT, and uncomfortable. Charlie called the neurosurgeon on call, as Char noticed that Anderson was swollen at the site of the tap. The NSG told Charlie to go the ER.
They went to the ER. Anderson is having a cerebral spinal fluid leak at the site. AHHHH!!! This is one of the complications from the procedure. They wrapped Anderson's belly/back with an ace bandage to apply pressure to the site and stop the leak.
Hopefully, the leak will seal off on its own. We are waiting for our NSG to visit Charlie and Anderson this AM to check on the site and see how long, etc.
Thus far, Anderson is not experiencing any of the side affects of the leak. But, it could just be too early for them to set in right now......
HOWEVER, Charlie called me yesterday afternoon. Anderson was really sore, he was sleeping A LOT, and uncomfortable. Charlie called the neurosurgeon on call, as Char noticed that Anderson was swollen at the site of the tap. The NSG told Charlie to go the ER.
They went to the ER. Anderson is having a cerebral spinal fluid leak at the site. AHHHH!!! This is one of the complications from the procedure. They wrapped Anderson's belly/back with an ace bandage to apply pressure to the site and stop the leak.
Hopefully, the leak will seal off on its own. We are waiting for our NSG to visit Charlie and Anderson this AM to check on the site and see how long, etc.
Thus far, Anderson is not experiencing any of the side affects of the leak. But, it could just be too early for them to set in right now......
Monday, September 7, 2009
Chicago - LP
Charlie and Anderson made it to Chicago today. They left early this AM and have arrived. They are once again staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Anderson is scheduled for a lumbar puncture at 7:30 AM CST. They are looking for pseudo tumor cerebri. GULP. He is having symptoms that could possibly be this......
I can't even begin to descibe what this is.....I don't want to until we know 100% if he has it. We will know in the morning.
This could potentially be the beginning of another LONG journey for our little man.
Pls pray for him. My stomach is in knots, we are extremely nervous/anxious about this test and what it could potentially mean for the future.
I will update as I know more..........
I can't even begin to descibe what this is.....I don't want to until we know 100% if he has it. We will know in the morning.
This could potentially be the beginning of another LONG journey for our little man.
Pls pray for him. My stomach is in knots, we are extremely nervous/anxious about this test and what it could potentially mean for the future.
I will update as I know more..........
First Sleepover - Update
On Friday night, Kaitlyn had her first sleepover at our house. It was with Grace....from school. They are great friends....and Grace's Mom and I are great friends.
Kaitlyn was nervous about the first day of school....I told her that 1st graders got to have sleepovers...(she's been asking us for months when she could have a sleepover)....Kaitlyn was SUPER excited.
Behind the scenes...I talked to Charlie, we confirmed Friday night, I talked to Grace's Mom....confirmed Friday night. So...I told Kaitlyn...why don't you ask Grace if Friday night would work for her and she can check with her Mommy (Listen....I wanted it to be success on our first sleepover).
Yahoo....Grace was coming to sleepover!
Friday was a half day at school. A babysitter came over to watch Anderson, and I took Kaitlyn, Ryan, and Anna to the country club with some of our other friends! It was a blast. We had lunch and swam at the club.
After swimming, I took Grace home with us....so, the sleepover begins!
It was going GREAT!! The girls were playing so nicely together. We had dinner.......pizza........and frozen strawberry juice bars for dessert. It was perfect. After dinner, the girls were upstairs playing doctor with all of Kaitlyn's webkinz as the patients.....veterinarian. All of a sudden....Ryan yells, "DAD, EMERGENNNNNCCCYYYYY!!!!"
Charlie bolts up the stairs picks up a crying Kaitlyn off the ground and brings her downstairs.
Apparently, they had a kid size rocking chair on the bed, Kaitlyn sitting in it....rocks....need I say more?
Kaitlyn is crying her arm hurts and she is holding her arm "funny".
Charlie and I keep looking at ech other....do we take her in and ruin her 1st sleepover? She is not crying anymore, just holding it weird.
We decide to give it the night and see how she does thru the night.
Kaitlyn slept all night (so did Grace)....but Kaitlyn woke up holding her arm funny again.
We took Grace and the rest of the kids to get donuts (a HUGE treat in our house!).....
Then, Charlie drove Grace home and Kaitlyn to the ER......
We think it is a hairline fracture. She is in a splint (should be a cast.....it is everything but the fiberglass outer casing).....we see the ortho dr this week....
WOW, what a memory of our first sleepover!
NOTE TO PARENTS: DON'T let your kids have rocking chairs on the bed! HA!
Hope to post pics later tonight......
Kaitlyn was nervous about the first day of school....I told her that 1st graders got to have sleepovers...(she's been asking us for months when she could have a sleepover)....Kaitlyn was SUPER excited.
Behind the scenes...I talked to Charlie, we confirmed Friday night, I talked to Grace's Mom....confirmed Friday night. So...I told Kaitlyn...why don't you ask Grace if Friday night would work for her and she can check with her Mommy (Listen....I wanted it to be success on our first sleepover).
Yahoo....Grace was coming to sleepover!
Friday was a half day at school. A babysitter came over to watch Anderson, and I took Kaitlyn, Ryan, and Anna to the country club with some of our other friends! It was a blast. We had lunch and swam at the club.
After swimming, I took Grace home with us....so, the sleepover begins!
It was going GREAT!! The girls were playing so nicely together. We had dinner.......pizza........and frozen strawberry juice bars for dessert. It was perfect. After dinner, the girls were upstairs playing doctor with all of Kaitlyn's webkinz as the patients.....veterinarian. All of a sudden....Ryan yells, "DAD, EMERGENNNNNCCCYYYYY!!!!"
Charlie bolts up the stairs picks up a crying Kaitlyn off the ground and brings her downstairs.
Apparently, they had a kid size rocking chair on the bed, Kaitlyn sitting in it....rocks....need I say more?
Kaitlyn is crying her arm hurts and she is holding her arm "funny".
Charlie and I keep looking at ech other....do we take her in and ruin her 1st sleepover? She is not crying anymore, just holding it weird.
We decide to give it the night and see how she does thru the night.
Kaitlyn slept all night (so did Grace)....but Kaitlyn woke up holding her arm funny again.
We took Grace and the rest of the kids to get donuts (a HUGE treat in our house!).....
Then, Charlie drove Grace home and Kaitlyn to the ER......
We think it is a hairline fracture. She is in a splint (should be a cast.....it is everything but the fiberglass outer casing).....we see the ortho dr this week....
WOW, what a memory of our first sleepover!
NOTE TO PARENTS: DON'T let your kids have rocking chairs on the bed! HA!
Hope to post pics later tonight......
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